Scc Programs To Offer Freedom Vocational Students Can Determine Extent Of Study, Learn At Own Pace

July 21, 1985|By Terry Osinski of The Sentinel Staff

SANFORD — Seminole Community College's vocational program is leading the nation in the latest trend toward self-paced learning designed to meet the business world's needs.

Starting in September, 20 of SCC's 30 non-credit vocational programs will switch to the competency-based -- or open-entry, open-exit -- style of instruction.

The transition, which started with switching 10 classes to the system last year, has been in the planning stages since 1981 and has cost the college more than $100,000 to implement.

The competency-based program allows students to enroll in courses whenever they are ready on a space-available basis.

Students choose the skills they want to master and take responsibility for the pace and extent of coverage.

For instance, an automotive student may decide to hone his knowledge of engine repair or tune-ups. Rather than spend a whole semester in the course, the student can study only those subjects needed to acquire enough expertise to obtain a job in the field.

The flexible nature of the course of study allows students with jobs to update their knowledge without disrupting their work schedule.

Students can ''spin-out'' into the job market faster than under the traditional classroom approach, said Russ Moncrief, dean of vocational planning and development. Also, students can get a job in the field and later update their skills on a work/school co-op basis.

SCC hired a design consultant and used University of Central Florida teachers to train their instructors to adapt to the new approach.

Initially, the new program increased SCC teachers' workload because they were involved with outlining what was needed to be proficientin each area, Moncrief said.

However, he added that eventually the work will level out as the teachers evolve into educational office managers who guide student progress.

Through an $86,000 Department of Education grant, SCC invited experts in the various fields to help define the skills needed in the job market.

This helped align the curriculum with business and industry needs, said Dr. Jon Hunt, a competency-based design consultant from Florida State University. Last year 10 of SCC's vocational programs began implementing the approach. Hunt said he believes the system ''leads the student to develop leadership skills, a competitive spirit and a sense of personal success.''

He added that the program will squash fears that many have about new endeavors or making dramatic career changes.

SCC is the first community college in the state to convert all its vocational programs to the competency-based system.

Moncrief said they have had requests from a dozen Florida colleges and at least 100 nationwide about the planning and implementation of what educators look to as the newest approach to cooperative education.